As I listened to Pastor Matt's sermon on Sunday, one thing that he said really resonated with me, and that was, "It is easy not to doubt God when you’re comfortable." He said this when he was talking about "Testing Moments", moments when our faith is tested. Moments when the outcomes are uncertain, and the future is unknown, or in Matt's words, "Moments when we embrace our weaknesses and lean on the strength of an All-Powerful God." This resonated with me because when I think about it, it is easy to trust God when things are going well. I mean I can sit here and thank Him all day long for the good things that happen in my life, but when things go sideways, what is my immediate reaction? Is it to get angry or frustrated and ask god "Why?", or is it to pray about it and trust in Him?
Well, as much as I would like to say, "Pray about it and trust in Him", I have to be completely honest and say, that is not always the case. Instead, I probably rant about it to the first person that will listen, or I will cry about it and retreat to a dark place inside myself. So, with that being said, I was very grateful for this reminder on Sunday to trust in the God who has delivered me, and to remember that I HAVE seen the mighty hand of His work in my life many times. How easy it is to forget until once again we find ourselves in a situation, crying out to Him and asking for help.
So, with that being said family, I would just like to remind you once again that faith is "Hoping amidst uncertainty", and that when we are in these "Testing Moments", they are being used to form us so that God can use us for His plan and His purpose.
Last but not least, I would just like to quote Pastor Matt one more time because I think that this is also an important reminder, "We cannot stay in our old lives and follow Christ into our new ones."
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24.